MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – With Jingle Cross and Trek Cup around the corner in mid-September, cyclocross riders across the Midwest need a “just right” kind of race to dial in their form and equipment. Cross-Shooshko is the perfect opportunity for riders in the Midwest to get ready for those big races in Iowa City and Waterloo.
Held at Kosciuszko Park (say that three times fast), located just south of downtown Milwaukee, the Cross-Shooshko course has rolling hills, tricky off-camber corners, fast straightaways and a good technical challenge. It’s a Goldilocks kind of course: not too easy, but not too hard! The course winds through the rolling grounds of Kosciuszko Park and in the past has included a unique alley start. Riders can expect sweeping off-camber turns, a long run-up up a moderate hill that leads to more technical turns and two tight off-camber hills where your technical ability will be tested.
“It’s a Goldilocks kind of course: not too easy, but not too hard!”
Defending Masters 35-39 National Champion Sydney Guagliardo is looking to repeat at Cross-Shooshko in 2017. photo: Karl Hendrikse,
Since it is a Milwaukee bike race, there will be plenty of free libations from Milwaukee Brewing Company, coffee from Valentine Coffee Roasters and the famous La Salsa taco truck for racers and spectators to enjoy. All donations for beer and coffee will go to Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin.
Cross-Shooshko is hosted by the Ben’s Cycle/Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Cycling Team that is based out of Ben’s Cycle in Milwaukee. The team rides classic steel Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Mettle cyclocross bikes.
Prizes will be cash and merchandise from Ben’s Cycle. Prime call-up positions may be offered to riders who can properly pronounce “Kosciuszko.” (Hint: The pronunciation may or may not be the name of the race).
Cross-Shooshko will be kicking off the 2017 Wisconsin Cycling Association cyclocross season. photo: Karl Hendrikse
The course at Kosciuszko Park is a short distance from the Interstate 94/43 Becher Street exit, making it an easy destination for folks traveling from Madison, Chicago and the Fox Valley.
And if your ’cross bikes need a little love before or after the race, Isaac Neff of Neff Cycle Service will be there as neutral support.
REGISTER for Cross-Shooshko at usacycling.org
More information: Facebook event
Read about the 2016 Cross-Shooshko race.
[Editor’s Note] Cross-Shooshko holds a special place in editor Zach Schuster’s heart because it is literally the only bike race he has ever won. Just think of what racing and winning there can do for your career.
See all of our Wisconsin cyclocross coverage.
